A current resumè demonstrating work and volunteer experience in the field

A personal essay discussing objectives and motivation for pursuing a graduate degree in counseling, an understanding of the preferred concentration, and a discussion of how this degree will meet the applicant’s professional development plans.

At least two letters of recommendation: one that addresses the individual’s character and potential to be a counselor, and one
that addresses the individual’s scholarship/academic ability (and is written by a professional qualified to make that assessment).

Completion of nine hours of psychology coursework taken no more than five years prior to admission to the master’s program in counseling.

Completion of a bachelor’s degree. (Minimum of 9 credits of Psychology beyond Introduction to Psychology; these classes may be completed after acceptance into the degree program).

Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Two letters of recommendation, one which addresses character and your potential to work in the field of student services, and one that address your ability to complete graduate level work (written by a professional qualified to make this assessment).

Essay discussing your objectives and motivation for pursuing a degree in College Student Services Administration along with how the degree will meet your professional development plans.

The College of Saint Rose offers a unique Mental Health Counseling master’s degree program that focuses on the needs of college and university students. Faith Lawton Enemark, who is currently in her final semester of the program and will graduate in May, says her time at Saint Rose has been an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience.Faith Lawton Enemark, from Albany, NY, earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography and Imaging from New York University and is currently pursuing her MS degree in College Mental Health Counseling. The 60 credit program is intended to prepare licensed professional counselors to address the diverse clinical needs of college and university students.

Enemark says that she wanted to work in a field where she could make a difference in people’s lives. The College Mental Health Counseling program at Saint Rose was a natural fit for her. She chose to pursue her graduate studies at Saint Rose for several reasons, but she was most attracted to the community that Saint Rose offered. “I knew that I would have opportunities to learn and network, both in and outside the classroom setting,” she explains, “I also valued the structure of a program that would allow me to study mental health counseling broadly, while specifically focusing on the college population.”

With only a few months until graduation, Enemark says that her time at Saint Rose has been very rewarding. “Class discussions have challenged me to reexamine my own views, professors have imparted knowledge not available in any textbook, and participation in offices on campus has given me vital real world work experience.” Of the various classes that Enemark has taken, she says that her Case Studies class with Dr. Jelane Kennedy stands out the most. “Dr. Kennedy’s ability to engage a class of only eight students in meaningful discussions about controversial topics was inspiring.”

Enemark has worked as a graduate assistant to Dr. Wendy Neifeld Wheeler in the Office of Parent and Family Relations for several semesters. She says that her experience as a GA has been an invaluable aspect of her graduate education. “Dr. Neifeld Wheeler’s supervision and guidance have helped me become a more competent and capable professional.” Enemark has also been able to apply classroom theories and ideas in her graduate assistant duties. “I will graduate with years of experience working on a college campus, new friendships, and a professional network.”

For students who are interested in applying to the College Mental Health Counseling program at Saint Rose, Enemark says that students should be prepared for engrossing class discussions and meaningful real world experiences. Enemark also suggests that students apply for a graduate assistantship position on campus to gain experience in a college setting. More information about the graduate assistantship program is available here.

If you are interested in learning more about the College Mental Health Counseling graduate program, click here for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Graduate Admissions at 518-454-5143 or email grad@strose.edu.